I was a people pleaser. I used to go out of my way to please everyone as a child. I know it was the reason behind my search for acceptance, but in hindsight it didn’t do me any favours.
Pleasing people
But what started as a kind gesture on my part, became a habit to everyone else. What’s more, it seemed contagious because it didn’t stop with one person. I wasn’t assertive enough. Just because someone isn’t good at saying no, it doesn’t mean others should take advantage of those people. It doesn’t put those others, in a good light.
Changing your perceptions
As soon as we decide to change our perceptions, our attitude will change. As we begin to become assertive, things can begin to change. It is our attitude that sets the tone on how things will go.
Be more positive and assertive
The more positive and assertive we are, the less likely others will take advantage, and the more we will stand up for ourselves. And although confidence plays its part too, a permanent change of attitude may be necessary.
Reflection and perceiving your life
As I began to reflect on my circumstances and the bigger picture, I began to perceive my experiences differently. Issues began to feel easier and I began to feel more in control. My spiritual beliefs had a lot to do with the process, also. We must challenge ourselves to work through our own set of circumstances.
The following suggestions may be useful to those who struggle with being assertive:
We all have a right to be assertive, in the same way others may choose to be assertive for themselves.
When I was growing up, I was well trained in the art of people pleasing, which meant I always put off doing what I really wanted to do. It has affected me in my life to the point where I haven't gotten very far.
I'm just trying to change things now so that I can do things that I like to do and not be so worried about what other people expect me to do!
Randy, you're not alone.
I was 44 when I managed to do something with my own life; having been a people pleaser all of my life. I went back into study; went on to find out that I had CP; then started The CP Diary.
I am of the opinion that although this is the route you also took, it doesn't mean you have to stick with it. As the adult you can make changes now.
I was a people pleaser too, but now if I don't want to do something I won't.
I also have a problem with standing up for myself now. It's a lot better than it used to be. I became stronger after my first marriage because my ex used to be abusive to me a lot and I finally got aggressive and left him.
I think after a while, standing up for ourselves becomes a necessity. I am so pleased Lisa that you became stronger and learned how to look after yourself.
That's great.
I think we are all programmed to be people pleasers. We are pre-disposed like that.
It's better to have a balance with pleasing oneself too and I think it's easier to achieve that. The knowledge that it can be achieved and that comes with age and experience and a concerted effort.
I don't agree that we all are, but there may be some who may have a predisposition because of what they deal with.
Although this was my own experience and this is what I did, it certainly wasn't the norm growing up; although I do agree those born into specific cultures will more likely conform that way.